When the day comes to ditch the winter coat, you better be ready.

It’s going to happen. It starts with the zipper, gradually lowered. Soon the gloves come off, the sweaters are folded, and before you know it, you’re brazenly exposing skin that hasn’t seen daylight in five months.

It can’t come soon enough, but spring is on its way. And because shopping for above-freezing temps can be a shock to the system, Chicago stylist Heidy Best of BECLOTHESMINDED provided us with some tips for a smooth transition.

If you’re desperate for a pick-me-up from the SS14 collections making their debut in stores right now, Best says to go with a dress. A piece like this inverse stripe day dress by Wren from Anthropologie ($138) can be worn right away with opaque tights and booties.

After the snow melts (but before it’s time to expose those toes) switch over to a pair of d’Orsay flats. With a classic pointed toe, the d’Orsay is an updated version of the ballet flat of season’s past. Best likes this pair from Madewell ($108).

The second it’s warm enough, swap out your down-filled puffer for a lightweight leather jacket. The key for spring is to choose a light, neutral color like this taupe jacket by La Marque at Cusp ($290).

Questions? Meet Best in person, who will be serving up styling tips at L.K. Bennett (900 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor; 312-374-0958) on Thursday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Purchases made that night will be 10 percent off. Light bites and Prosecco will be passed. To attend, RSVP to samantha@boldfacechicago.com.